Today's News

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, I certainly did. Most of my family lives in the Indianapolis area, so we usually go there. We have so much fun together.

I always remember the family meals we had when we were very young, and what I continually reflect on is all the laughter. I am proud to say, especially since I am now the ‘older’ generation, that we have certainly carried on the tradition.

Christian Academy of Carrollton selected Austin Martin, a 10th grader, for Student of the Week because he has shown great maturity in academics, responsibility and kindness throughout the three years at CAC. Austin has been such a big help with the school system during chapel and programs as well as in other areas this year. After the Academy’s break-in and robbery, Austin especially has been able to make-shift borrowed older equipment to continue with our chapel program each week. All of this is being done with a smile. Thank you Austin!

John D. Tilley of Carrollton made the dean’s list for the October 2011 session in the College of Applied Technologies at the University of Northwestern Ohio. Tilley is the son of John Scott Tilley of Ghent and Donna Tilley of Warsaw, and the grandson of John P. and Laverne Tilley of Carrollton.

How did my grandmother do it? Well past her 75th birthday, she was still having holiday dinners at her house and with her five children and their children and spouses and their grandchildren, she fed a real house full.

Granted, everyone (the adults) took a dish. But just getting the house ready, the dishes out and the tea made would have done in a lesser person (such as I).

One of the country’s most persistent challenges is finding ways to help those struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues beyond their control.

Federal figures show the number to be significant. In 2008, it was estimated that 30 million Americans had received treatment for a mental health issue in the previous year, and about 22 million were believed to be addicted to drugs or alcohol.

During the holidays extra tiny tastes of food may not make a difference in the short run, but little bits from now through New Year’s can result in unwelcome weight gains. During the holiday season I find it hard to resist sampling the food I am preparing or baking. Plus, there are more special social occasions with great food.

Here are a few strategies to help curb your tendency to take many tiny tastes: